Wild beach is a world away from the city, yet just a short drive, says Elisabeth Easther.

Just an hour's drive north of Auckland, 16km from Warkworth, Omaha Beach is home to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you could ever hope to see.

If you're in a aquatic frame of mind, check out these great on-water excursions.

A desperate man managed to send two text messages to his partner after his boat sank, but they were dismissed as a joke.

A subdivision for 60 houses at Helensville is being criticised by youth lobby group Generation Zero as a bad case of urban sprawl and costly for ratepayers.

Just 45-50 minutes northwest of Auckland, via SH1 and SH16, you'll discover Kaukapakapa on the delightful Kaipara Coast.

Danielle Wright discovers clubs happy to welcome you in out of the cold.

Labour leader David Cunliffe has defended helping a Chicago-based friend buy a house in Omaha, despite saying overseas investors were hurting the housing market.

Justine Tyerman saves on the international airfares and finds luxury accommodation just 45 minutes' drive from Auckland for a family reunion.

Elisabeth Easter cruises along the cycle trails between Matakana and Omaha.

Helen van Berkel discovers a cruisy way to learn about Auckland's waterways history.

Elisabeth Easther finds a town of stunning views and fabulous seafood.

Our national bird may be shy and retiring, but here's a handful of places where you might be able to get close to them.

Catherine Smith looks at some of the new facilities and activities on offer in Auckland's regional parks.

Hauraki Adventurer and documentary maker Gus Roxburgh shares what he loves about our closest national park, the Hauraki Gulf.

Tiritiri Matangi isn't just for the birds, as Elisabeth Easther discovers on a visit to the island's wildlife sanctuary.

Once the kids see Reptile Park's residents, they'll want to stay and stare, writes Dionne Christian.

Danielle Wright takes a sneak peek under water in a glass-bottom boat at New Zealand's first marine reserve, at Leigh.

John Kirikiri tells Elisabeth Easther what he loves about living in Orewa, and how it's a haven for tourists and locals alike

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the conservation success story that is Tiritiri Matangi Island, finds Cate Foster.